Osbourne - who was previously a panellist on the programme from 2004 to 2007 - will use the internet video call service to keep in touch with her hopefuls when she jets back first class to the US to host chat show The Talk, with ITV set to fork out £13,000 per trip.

A source told The Sun: "Sharon has done a deal which will see her jet back and forth a number of times, with her flights paid for by ITV. That was one of her conditions.

"But she is still confident she can give her acts the support they need.

"There are a million ways to keep in touch with people. Many of the judges aren't there every day of the week."

A show spokesman insisted Osbourne will only fly to the US "a couple of times" while the live shows are on, with the majority of her travelling set to take place during the auditions and boot camp stages of the competition.

As well as her hosting duties in the US, Osbourne is expected to spend time trying to patch up her relationship with husband Ozzy - who recently overcame his relapse into substance abuse, which began over the past 18 months - and be there for son Jack, who has multiple sclerosis.